This early photo of the Davenport House pre-dates its modern day use as a museum.
Davenport House photo

SAVANNAH

The Isaiah Davenport House, Savannah's stately Federal-style historic home on Columbia Square, opened to the public forty years ago March 9. Since 1963 it has informed thousands of visitors about Savannah history and has evolved into a credible museum that teaches about 19th century life. To celebrate its resilience and accomplishments, the Davenport House museum community invites the public to a free afternoon of tours and activities on Sunday, March 9 from 1-4:30 p.m.

"The Davenport House has come a long way since Mrs. Lucy Barrow McIntire - a Davenport family descendant - cut the ribbon to open the house to the public. Many things have happened over the past 40 years that we are proud of - including the recent interior restoration." says board president Clare Ellis.

On March 9 visitors will have the opportunity to see the recent restoration as well as hear plans for the future. The museum will offer hard-hat tours of the pharmacy building at 323 Broughton St. that the Davenport House plans to renovate and open as its shop and tour headquarters.


The afternoon's activities include:

1 to 4:30 p.m. - Davenport House is open for tours at no charge. There will be intermittent period music throughout the afternoon.

2:00 p.m. - Hard-hat tour of the pharmacy at 323 Broughton Street.

2:30 p.m. - Program of Davenport House reminiscences from people instrumental in the Davenport House's past, present and future.

3:00 p.m. - Unveiling of panel exhibit on the Davenport House's evolution and recognition of the local group who saved the house from demolition

3:15 p.m. - Arrival of Isaiah Davenport and birthday cake cutting.

3:30 p.m. -- Hard-hat tour of the pharmacy at 323 Broughton Street.


"We hope this birthday program will inspire Savannahians who have never visited the museum, or who have not been here in a long time, to come and see what we have to offer. What better way to spend a spring Sunday afternoon than visiting the Davenport House, viewing its garden and eating cake!" says Davenport House director Jamie Credle. For additional information about the event or the Davenport House, please call (912) 236-8097.

Located at 324 E. State St. in Savannah, the Isaiah Davenport House is open for tours daily - Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. with the last tour departing at 4:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. with last tour departing at 4 p.m.